I have some sympathy for both those that love and hate this adaptation. I agree that series would have been more sharp at 3 episodes. This story did not have the breadth and depth of characters of my favorite series - Bleak House, Little Dorrit, or Our Mutual Friend, to keep you riveted for the long run. But to compare Dickens may not be fair? the strongest character is easily Charles Dance's Fairlie who disappears halfway through, (along with the Hartwright and his Italian friend Kaye). The story meanders at that point, revealing the mysteries without fanfare. Then the ending seems rushed. On the other hand I loved the cast and thought Fosco quite chilling. No the Woman in White is not up to my "Great Expectations" but it's still better than most network fare. The competition is a lot stiffer; however, from non-networks Netflix, Amazon, etc. Perhaps Andrew Davies needs to be brought back into the PBS/BBC fold?
Review of The Woman in White
